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Sunday, June 10, 2007
Almost out of the Smoky Mountains. Met another woman out of the Army with PTSD who could stay out here indefinitely without a problem. What a sad testimony that a person who goes to defend her country comes back, then doesn't want to be around the people she was defending.
Met Swamp Butt, Mater, Mudslide, and Purple Hawk. Swamp Butt comes from a family of military people who now question how our country treats the troops and they will be writing letters.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Today walking the trail, I heard Xmas bells, then I came upon a hiker wearing a bell. He said his mother got it for him to keep the bears away. He said he was attached to it. Told him what we are doing, then he told me his girlfriend was in boot camp for the National Guard, got hurt, and had to get out. All her records were lost, so they aren't compensating her for her injuries or taking care of any of the medical bills. It makes me wonder why the youth are rebellious, defiant, un-patriotic, and have problems with authority
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Got into Fontana, NC last night, got a steak, hot bath, and a soft bed; is life great or what?
Got into a local paper through one of the staff who had lost a friend in Vietnam. Also got some radio time. Talked to Max Cleland about getting together in Georgia which looks good. Have to go through his scheduler. Also talked to the father (Michael) of the Green Beret. When I talk to him, I start to lose it and he starts consoling me saying nothing will bring his son back and that I am his hero. What a role model of strength and love. It is people like him that give me hope.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Before I left Fontana, I got a massage. He was an ex-Marine and told me I had to let go of some of this pain. As he was massaging me and I talked about what I am doing, he said I would just tighten up so I had to keep quiet. After I told him I wouldn't be doing what I am if I hadn't taken on the pain and made their suffering my own.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Meeting fewer thru-hikers because of time it takes to get to Maine. If you haven't gone yet, you're not likely to make it to Maine before they close the northern end due to adverse weather.
Made it to Nathaniel and met a family (husband, wife, and 2 boys) just before I got off the trail into the village, who couldn't get over what I was doing.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Left after breakfast with an English teacher from Denver. He said he would have his students write; he couldn't force them, but he would tell them. He said it was sad that the students seem to have little or no interest in anything - a 'so what' attitude. Maybe they have it too easy or maybe it is what we show them.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Hung out with Tarzan and company; had a lot of laughs as we shared a meal. We talked relationships and movies. I, at least, have experience in one and have seen a lot of movies.
Got a ride from an ex-Marine who had 11 children. 4 of his girls married Marines (one married a Navy guy who is just tolerated). None of his children have been to jail or had a drug or drinking problem; he definitely showed up the right way for them. He is not happy about this war - 2 of his daughters just got back from Iraq.
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